Affluence segregation

Date and country of first publication

2019
United States

Definition

Affluence segregation refers to the practice of separating individuals or communities based on their level of wealth or income. It often leads to the creation of affluent neighborhoods or gated communities that are exclusively inhabited by high-income residents, while low-income individuals are concentrated in lower-income neighborhoods or areas with fewer resources.

This form of segregation can perpetuate socioeconomic inequality as it limits access to opportunities such as quality education, healthcare, and employment for low-income individuals. It can also reinforce social and cultural divides, as people from different socioeconomic backgrounds have limited interactions and less understanding of each other's experiences.

Affluence segregation can also have negative societal implications. It can result in the uneven distribution of resources and services, further exacerbating the disparities between rich and poor communities. It can also lead to social isolation and the development of homogenous communities that lack diversity in terms of income, race, and ethnicity.

Efforts to address affluence segregation often focus on promoting affordable housing options, improving access to quality education and healthcare for disadvantaged communities, and creating policies that encourage socioeconomic diversity in neighborhoods. These actions aim to create more inclusive and equitable communities where people from different income groups can live, work, and interact with one another.

Notes

At its current state, this definition has been generated by a Large Language Model (LLM) so far without review by an independent researcher or a member of the curating team of segregation experts that keep the Segregation Wiki online. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its reliability, completeness and timeliness. Please use this content with caution and verify information as needed. Also, feel free to improve on the definition as you see fit, including the use of references and other informational resources. We value your input in enhancing the quality and accuracy of the definitions of segregation forms collectively offered in the Segregation Wiki ©.

Further reading

Yavaş M. (2019) "Dissecting income segregation: Impacts of concentrated affluence on segregation of poverty", Journal of Mathematical Sociology, 43(1), pp. 1-22. Routledge. DOI: 10.1080/0022250X.2018.1476858

Haandrikman K.; Costa R.; Malmberg B.; Rogne A.F.; Sleutjes B. (2021) "Socio economic segregation in European cities. A comparative study of Brussels, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Oslo and Stockholm", Urban Geography, -. Routledge. DOI: 10.1080/02723638.2021.1959778